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This table presents detailed information on the quantity and value of diatomite exported from the United States over recent years, along with the principal international destinations for these shipments. Diatomite, a naturally occurring, silica-rich sedimentary rock, is widely used in various industrial applications including filtration, absorbents, and as a mild abrasive. Tracking export data is crucial for understanding the U.S. position in the global diatomite market, assessing trade balances, and identifying key trading partners that drive demand for this mineral resource.
Analysis of the data reveals a notable increase in both the quantity and value of U.S. diatomite exports from 2023 to 2024. Export volume rose from 54 thousand metric tons in 2023 to 64 thousand metric tons in 2024, representing an 18.5% increase. Correspondingly, the export value grew from $47.6 million to $60.3 million, an increase of approximately 26.7%, indicating a possible rise in unit prices or higher-value product shipments. Canada remains the largest market, accounting for about a quarter of exports in both years, though its share slightly decreased from 27% to 24%. European countries such as Belgium and Germany continue to be significant destinations, with Germany and India collectively representing 11% of exports in 2024, up from 6% combined for Belgium and Germany in 2023. Emerging markets like India, Peru, and Turkey also appear as notable destinations, reflecting diversification in the U.S. diatomite export base.
| TABLE 4 | ||||||
| U.S. EXPORTS OF DIATOMITE1, 2 | ||||||
| (Thousand metric tons and thousand dollars) | ||||||
| Year | Quantity | Value3 | Principal destinations | |||
| 2023 | 54 | r | 47600 | r | Canada, 27%; Belgium and Germany, 6%; Brazil, China, South Africa, and Turkey, 5%; Colombia, 3%. | |
| 2024 | 64 | 60300 | Canada, 24%; Germany and India; 11%; Belgium, 9%; Brazil and China, 5%; Colombia, Peru, and Turkey, 3%. | |||
rRevised.
1Table includes data available through May 14, 2025. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits.
2Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) code 2512.00.0000, natural and straight-calcined grades, but in practice may include an undetermined quantity of flux-calcined product, which should be reported as HTS code 3802.90.2000.
3Free alongside ship value.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Diatomite statistics | Mineral commodity prices